| Price | FightBoxArcade |
| Discount Code | THEARCADESTICK |
| Release | Circa January 2024 |
| Compatibility | Wii / GC / N64 / PC |
| Dimensions | 13.8″ x 7.9″ x 1.8″ |
| Weight | 3.31 lbs |
| Cable | ~3 m |
Introduction
You may have noticed the FightBox R1-B flying off shelves. It’s awesome—no doubt about that. It’s just that its switches and overall slimness may not be for you…
This is where the R1-F comes in. It’s thicker than the R1-B, and hey, it features arcade-style buttons instead of switch-infused keycaps that you might not like!
Unboxing
While the R1-F doesn’t come with a million things, it may come with:
| Cable | Length | Description |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C to A | ~3 m | Black |
| USB-C to GC | 1.8 m | Black & braided |
Performance
The FightBox R1-F features the tried and tested layout that was popularized by the likes of the Frame1. You can also cycle between button profiles, such as:
- Super Smash Bros Ultimate
- Super Smash Bros Melee
- Project M and Project+
- Rivals of Aether 1
- Rivals of Aether 2
- FGC
You may be familiar with the games above, but the FGC button profile in particular lets you use the R1-F to play games from other genres like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Guilty Gear.
That said, the R1-F uses the bestselling Sanwa OBSF-24 buttons with an optimal travel distance and distinct sound. Just note that there are only two modifier buttons (X and Y), so this may affect highly competitive players.
Meanwhile, you can find two function buttons on the R1-F’s right side, and there are four more function buttons in the back. These back function buttons are divided into two buttons for your left hand and two more for your right hand.
Hardware
Made of metal and with an acrylic panel, the R1-F’s weight is in between being average & heavy. Regardless, there are six bottom feet to keep the controller in place while you play your favorite platform fighter. By the way, this rectangle has good width to set it on your lap for hours.
Not only that, the R1-F runs on an overpowered stack that is the reliable Raspberry Pi Pico chip coupled with the beloved HayBox firmware. Just note that Nintendo Switch compatibility is achievable by way of an adapter.
Appearance
The R1-F is essentially a matte black enclosure with six black screws on top—as well as white and red buttons. You can actually request different button colors if you want.
You can even have your R1-F’s art customized, and we at The Arcade Stick offer a custom art service. You can see an example below, which is by our designer Carlos Martinez for his client’s FightBox:
(If you have some R1-F digital art already, we can just print that out for you.)
Conclusion
The R1-F is the best of both worlds: you get the sick Frame1 layout plus even sicker Sanwa buttons. For your information, FightBoxArcade and RetroArcadeCrafts are the same company, so you can order this box from either. Alternatively, you can order it from a site like AliExpress.
- Frame1 layout
- Sanwa buttons
- Six button profiles
- Button color options
- Customizable artwork
- Pico with HayBox firmware
- Good width for lap play
- Reasonable weight
- Metal plus acrylic
- Only two modifier buttons
- Switch compatibility needs adapter
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Links
- FightBoxArcade (10% code: THEARCADESTICK)
- RetroArcadeCrafts
- AliExpress